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Medicine Ways: Traditional Healers and Healing

The Key Role of Ceremony

Ceremony is an essential part of traditional Native healing. Because physical and spiritual health are intimately connected, body and spirit must heal together. Traditional healing ceremonies promote wellness by reflecting Native conceptions of Spirit, Creator, and the Universe. They can include prayer, chants, drumming, songs, stories, and the use of a variety of sacred objects.

Healers may conduct ceremonies anywhere a sick person needs healing, but ceremonies are often held in sacred places. Special structures for healing are often referred to as Medicine Lodges. Wherever they take place, traditional healing ceremonies are considered sacred, and are only conducted by Native healers and Native spiritual facilitators. Non-Natives may participate by invitation only.

In contrast, today, Native powwows have evolved into primarily social and cultural events that feature Native dancing, singing, drumming, regalia, and food. All people are welcome at most powwows.

Color painting of a medicine man blessing an individual as others sit around them in a circle praying.
Black and white photograph of a male Native American chief standing in front of a hand-made medicine lodge structure.
Black and white image of a single, dome-shaped structure standing by itself.
Color image of a man standing in front of a modern-day sweatlodge, bending over with a fan made of eagle feathers in his right hand.
Black and white image of a group of Native individuals standing around a large, tent-like structure held up by tree branches.
Color photograph of a Native American female dancing while wearing a blue top and holding a multi-colored blanket.
Color photograph of a Native American male dancing in traditional attire adorned with eagle feathers and intricate designs.
Color photograph of five individuals, one woman and four men, standing in front of a blue tent.

NEXT: The Medicine Wheel and the Four Directions